He may have listed all seven in alphabetical order, and gave an attempt to be careful as to not give much away with regard to where he's leaning -- but in an interview with Scout.com's Brian Snow, Bluiett gave an indication that Michigan is likely at least a co-frontrunner for his services.

"I probably have the best relationship with that staff. Coach (John) Beilein lets his players go," he told Snow. "He recruits players with high IQ’s, and they are able to get wins without him really over coaching them."

Rivals.com's No. 46-ranked player for 2014, Bluiett had long been considered a heavy Butler lean before coach Brad Stevens left for the Boston Celtics. Michigan's chances with Bluiett seemed to then hang in the balance as lead recruiter LaVall Jordan interviewed to replace Stevens at his alma mater.

But, Butler opted to hire new coach Brandon Miller, Jordan stayed in Ann Arbor and the Wolverines remain in contention for his services.

One other team to watch in this race is UCLA. First-year Bruins coach Steve Alford has assistant coach Ed Schilling on his staff. Schilling coached Bluiett at Indianapolis' Park Tudor High School prior to accepting the UCLA gig.

A 6-foot-5, 185-pound shooting guard with an outside stroke, Bluiett is one of several high-level 2014 recruits Michigan remains in good contact with.

The Wolverines are also on the short lists for five-star forward Kevon Looney, five-star guard Devin Booker and four-star wing Kameron Chatman.

Bluiett averaged 27.8 points per game for Park Tudor last season, leading his club to a 21-3 record.